Pep Band Policies
Performance
The Band is composed of the Red Band, the White Band and the Special Events/Select Band. As a member of the Pep Band, you will be assigned to either the Red or White band. You may request placement in either band, but your ultimate placement will be based on instrumentation needs and directorial discretion. Participation in the Special Events/Select Band is based directorial discretion. See the Special Events/Select Band section below for more information.
Registration
All members must register with the University Registrar for CFA MU 093 for zero credits. If you wish to receive credit for Pep Band, then also register for CFA MU 193 for 1.0 credit in addition to CFA MU 093 for zero credits.
Uniforms
New members are required to purchase the Pep Band shirt for $25.00. If desired, a white t-shirt may be worn underneath the Pep Band shirt (long or short sleeve). The Pep Band Shirt, along with tan pants (khakis or chinos no cargo) comprises the uniform of the Terrier Pep Band worn at all performances (unless otherwise specified). Sunglasses are not allowed unless we are performing outside. Hats are not a part of the uniform and may not be worn except under special circumstances.
Rehearsals
Once marching season ends, the pep band rehearses on Tuesday evenings 6:00-8:00. Rehearsals are held in the band room at 278 Babcock Street. Every member of the pep band is required to attend these rehearsals. Each rehearsal attended will be worth 4 points. The rehearsals will ensure that the band maintains a high level of musicianship and will give us the chance to rotate new tunes into the books during the year.
Conduct
Our job at games and events is to positively support the teams, and influence the crowd to do the same. The band does not participate in un-sportsmanlike, derogatory, or profane activity. The band cheers as a band and not as individuals. Remember you are an official representative of Boston University.
Attendance
You are expected to go to all the games of the color band to which you are assigned, all scheduled rehearsals, and all Full Band games. You are also welcome to attend all games of the other color band and all break games.
Substitution
If you cannot attend a game for which you are expected you must find a substitute from the other color band and the BUMO office must be notified. The only acceptable form of notification is via the absence excuse form. You must submit the form by 4:00 PM the day of a weekday game, or by 4:00 PM the preceding Friday for a weekend game. No other types of notification are sufficient. Three missed games (or rehearsals) without explanations (of which you are assigned) indicate to us that you need to be removed from the pep band roster.
Guests
The BU Band welcomes playing guests to our games. Guests in the past have included alumni, current BU students who are not regular members of the band, and friends of current members. All guests are a part of the band during the game and therefore must understand the responsibilities of membership in our group. It is important that all guests understand that being a part of the band for a performance is much more than just playing music. Following these policies will also ensure a successful game experience for everyone.
- The director must approve all guests in advance.
- All guests must be in proper attire. A Pep Band Shirt will be provided but all guests must wear tan pants (khakis or chinos). Hats are not permitted.
- The band stands for most games and cheers as a band.
- Guests are not eligible for break game incentives unless discussed previously with the director.
Food & Drink
Permission is not required for members to leave the performance area to get something to eat. However, please do not leave if too many members of a section are already gone (use your best judgment). If you do go to get something to eat, please finish all food before returning to the band area. Only bottled water is allowed in the band. No food or other drink is allowed.
Special Events/Select Bands
Special events, such as post-season tournaments, are often subject to a limited band size. The instrumentation of the band is at the discretion of the director. Priority for the Special Events/Select Band is that the band is well staffed and balanced. Factors used to determine participation in the Special Events/Select Band are as follows: proficiency/aptitude, positive participation/attitude and the point system as defined below. Preference will be given to those who were in Marching Band and who made themselves available for Break Games.
Points System
The point system is designed to provide a tool for the director to help select band members for the Special Events/Select Bands. The Points are awarded based on attendance, seniority and participation other BU music ensembles, using the following scale. Game/Rehearsal points are only awarded for the instrument for which a member is registered.
Base Points (Maximum = 45) |
|
| Participation in any previous years’ Pep Band: |
5 points/year
|
| Participation in this year’s BU Marching Band: |
20 Points
|
| Participation in other BU instrumental music ensemble (per semester this academic year): |
3 Points
|
Game/Rehearsal Points |
|
| Game attended, your color: |
4 points
|
| Game attended, opposite color or break: |
2 points
|
| Late for game, your color: |
2 points
|
| Late for game, opposite color or break: |
1 point
|
| Failure to notify of absence for games or rehearsals: |
-3 points
|
| Each rehearsal attended: |
4 points
|
Definitions
Break Game: any game occurring while school is not in session.
Class Conflict: if you are late to a game due to class conflict, there will be no penalty provided that
a) you arrive within 30 minutes of the end of your class, and
b) you arrive prior to halftime (basketball) or the first intermission (hockey).
Failure to notify of absence: inability to notify the BUMO office of an absence by 4:00 PM the day of a weekday game, or by 4:00 PM the preceding Friday for a weekend game (proper notification results in zero points awarded and zero penalty points)
Full Band: games or events for which the members of both color bands are expected.
Late: not prepared to play on the downbeat at the call time (usually 40 minutes prior to beginning of game). No points are given when arriving after halftime (basketball) or the first intermission (hockey) begins.
Opposite Color: a game scheduled for the band other than the one to which you are assigned
Special Event: any Band event not scheduled for a red or white band
Your Color: a game scheduled for your band
Check your Points Online please be advised that you have two (2) weeks form the day of an event to change an incorrect entry.